Last year, law enforcement authorities in the capital leveled a staggering 4,300 charges against alleged members of youth gangs. Within these charges, nearly 400 were related to the possession of dangerous weapons, including machetes and firearms.
“These gangs might display a shocking indifference to the safety of other Victorians,” remarked Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill. “However, they will inevitably come to understand the relentless determination of Victoria Police.”
Hill further warned, “Should you choose to become involved with these gangs and pose a threat to our community, be prepared for an exceedingly uncomfortable existence.”
In addition to their proactive efforts in seizing weapons, police are contemplating the issuance of more unlawful association notices to gang members aged 18 and older. The goal is to discourage younger individuals from becoming entangled in organized crime.
Recent police data has also shed light on the efficiency of investigations related to stabbings perpetrated by youth gangs. Last year, Victoria saw 48 such incidents, with an average arrest time of just 17 days following each occurrence.
There were 48 in Victoria last year, with an average of 17 days before somebody was arrested.
Police are also targeting firearm offences, with 69 youth gang members charged last year.
Both the young users and older suppliers are facing a crackdown, with 70 people connected to youth gangs under firearm prohibition orders.
Police said one gang, connected to multiple killings, had 18 members subject to FPOs.
The most common charges of the thousands of charges laid against alleged youth gang members in 2025 included stealing cars (831), aggravated burglaries (601), robberies (421), weapon offences (394) and assaults (385).
In all, last year, 476 alleged youth gang members were arrested a combined 1480 times.
And as of New Year’s Day this year, police said the number of gang members they were actively monitoring was 608 across 34 groups.
“Every single day, we are arresting and charging youth gang members for serious offending due to this disruptive approach,” Hill said.
“When gangs refuse to heed these warnings and still choose to engage in violence and other serious offending, our record speaks for itself.
“Those responsible are rapidly tracked down, removed from the community, and fronted to face justice.”
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